CHRIS Banchero provided the late-game heroics as Meralco Bolts held off a furious comeback by NLEX, 97-94, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Banchero hit a floating jumper with only two seconds remaining to shatter the deadlock at 94-all before Bong Quinto split his free throws following a turnover by Don Trollano for the final score.

Suleiman Braimoh finished with 38 points on 12-of-20 shooting, eight rebounds and four assists in 39 minutes for Meralco, which moved to 4-1 win-loss.

Banchero added 15 points and three rebounds for theLuigi Trillo-mentored Bolts.

Chris Newsome and Quinto had 14 and 12 points, respectively.

“They were switching all ball screens and we were going to New (Chris Newsome) most of the time. Coach Nenad (Vucinic) called that last play and it was a good play. So we used New (as bait) and we faked with CB and prayed he could make that. He had a good first half so big bucket for us,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.

“A win is a win but more than that we’re worried about Su,”added Trillo, referring to Braimonh, had to exit the game after suffering a suspected Achilles injury on his left leg.

“He felt something with his Achilles and Su’s been playing so well for us. It’s painful to see a guy like that, good character. I think he’s a great import, he’s a perfect fit for us and seeing him like that hurts, eh. It takes a little bit off the win for us.”

It was a sorry loss for NLEX and Trollano.

The Road Warriors battled back from a huge 29-point deficit and tied the score at 94-all on a triple by Trollano himself with still 22 seconds left.

But it was not enough.

Import Stokley Chaffee led NLEX with 24 points on 5-of-14 shooting and eight rebounds in only his second game for NLEX.

Trollano had 24 points, six assists and four rebounds, followed by Sean Anthony with 11 points and Robbie Herndon with nine points.

Meanwhile, voting for the 2024 PBA All Stars started Sunday and will run up for the next two months.

Fans are again expected to vote on the Top 24 players who will comprise the two All-Star teams set to play in the mid-season spectacle to be held in Bacolod City.

After the fans have voted for the Top 24 players (regardless of position), the PBA coaches and media shall vote for the 25th to 28th players.

The slight change in voting mechanics for the last four spots will enable the participation of All-Star- worthy players who have captured the admiration of coaches and media because of their outstanding play and contribution to their teams.

Similar to last season, the coaches handling both All-Star teams will be known through fan balloting, too.

The scores:

Meralco (97) — Braimoh 38, Banchero 15, Newsome 14, Quinto 12, Almazan 6, Rios 5, Hodge 3, Dario 2, Jackson 2, Pasaol 0, Jose 0.
NLEX (94) — Chaffee 24, Trollano 24, Semerad 11, Herndon 9, Anthony 8, Rosales 7, Nieto 4, Rodger 3, Miranda 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2.
Quarterscores: 29-17, 54-34, 82-62, 97-94.

Games Wednesday:

(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. — Converge vs. NorthPort
8 p.m.– Blackwater vs. Magnolia